Tata Martino sheds light on why Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s match against Montreal, addressing speculation about his absence due to injury or rest.
– Herons’ 2024 season kicks off with a busy schedule.
– Rotation crucial due to numerous fixtures.
– Star player required a well-deserved break.
What happened?
The eight-time Ballon d’Or champ was a doubt for the game, reportedly nursing a minor injury. With a disrupted pre-season due to fitness problems, precautions are being taken for the 36-year-old star forward in the busy start to the 2024 season.
WHAT MARTINO SAID ABOUT MESSI.
Considering this, the choice was made to give Messi a break from the 3-2 defeat to Montreal. When questioned about this later, Martino explained, “We had decided this a week ago. We agreed that this match was the right one for him to rest, regardless of the Nashville game.” Martino further mentioned that Suarez and Busquets were also left out following a 2-2 draw in the CONCACAF Champions Cup with Nashville, stating, “(The media) inquired 10 days ago if I intended to rotate; we did rotate.”
WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?
Leonardo Campana and Jordi Alba found the back of the net for the Herons, but unfortunately, their goals couldn’t secure a positive result in the match. Inter Miami, involved in multiple competitions this season, will return to play on Wednesday for the second leg of their continental last-16 match against Nashville.
Conclusion.
Looks like the Herons gave it their all with goals from Leonardo Campana and Jordi Alba, but couldn’t turn the game around. Inter Miami is gearing up for their next challenge against Nashville in the continental last-16 encounter. Let’s see how they bounce back in the upcoming match.
